My review of the Sunsun External filter for 250g Aquariums HW-304A

[CWO4GUNNER]

They haven't carried that model for a while, most likely a pure marketing decision becasue the HW302 dominates sales due to its lower cost, although not quite as good in GPH & capacity performance as the larger 4 basket model, for the price difference 120% less, the difference in performance 30%, is much closer and harder for buyer to ignore.

 

[katana1200]

That is a good point Gunner. As a side note, the model I have I believe was rated for 250 gallons and I find it is great for my 72, maybe even up to 125. I would never use it alone on a tank that large though. As a matter of fact, I think it's about perfect for my 72, so I would say GPH rating should be mentally cut down to 1/2 or even 1/3.

The new smaller 3 baskets would most like be sufficient for a 30-55 but any larger tank and I would most likely double up.

 

[hostilegiraffe]

I got my Sunsun 303a about a month ago and it seems to be working effortlessly :grinno:. Its installed on a 55gal fresh. Below are some pics I took of cleaning the filter:


This is my top basket, the last basket for the water to pass through.



In here i have, from bottom to top, filter pad - 2 carbon filled bags - lava rock - additional filter pad.



Here are my pot scrubbies, i have I think 2 packs for $1 a piece so as far as biomedia goes, by far the cheapest.


This is my bottom poly fill filter media after about 1 week.


Finally I have my clay balls that went under my poly fill seen in the picture above.

:welcome:

 

[katana1200]

Wanted to pop back in and give a quick update. After 2 years and a couple months of constant use, the Sunsun is still running strong. No problems with leaks, hoses, or loss of power. I haven't actually replaced any of the media, just rinse and reuse. I was worried the off-brand wouldn't have the guts to go the distance but I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised. For the price, it's the best filter I've ever owned.

 

[1998golfer]

This review was great. I have a questions that I cannot find the answer to anywhere on le old internet. How much media do each of the baskets hold? 1 liter? 4 liters? I really would like to know so I know how much media to order. Thanks!

 

[FreshyFresh]

How much media do each of the baskets hold? 1 liter? 4 liters? I really would like to know so I know how much media to order. Thanks!

This model looks like my newer model Sunsun 302. The 3 black plastic trays are maybe 2" deep. It's tough to load one tray with pot scrubbers like shown in this thread, and still get the trays to lock together. I tried the pot scrubber route for awhile. A good bio media IMO, not good as a mechanical filter though. Too many spaces for unfiltered water to bypass. I've got a thick blue sunsun sponge in the bottom two trays and a bunch of different bio media in the top try on mine. Works well, just not a high flow rate filter by any means.

 

[1998golfer]

This model looks like my newer model Sunsun 302. The 3 black plastic trays are maybe 2" deep. It's tough to load one tray with pot scrubbers like shown in this thread, and still get the trays to lock together. I tried the pot scrubber route for awhile. A good bio media IMO, not good as a mechanical filter though. Too many spaces for unfiltered water to bypass. I've got a thick blue sunsun sponge in the bottom two trays and a bunch of different bio media in the top try on mine. Works well, just not a high flow rate filter by any means.

this is the sunsun 304a, much larger than the 302. I need the dimensions of the basket for the 304a

 

[FreshyFresh]

this is the sunsun 304a, much larger than the 302. I need the dimensions of the basket for the 304a

I was under the impression the 304A is the same as a 302, but has 4 trays instead of 3.

 

[1998golfer]

I was under the impression the 304A is the same as a 302, but has 4 trays instead of 3.

Nope. the 302 is 232mm wide, the 304a is 290mm wide. I just need someone with the sunsun 304a (the OP of this thread or other) to tell my how much media fits in the baskets

 

[FreshyFresh]

As a ballpark, given how those pot scrubbers seem to nicely sit on end, those 304 trays look to be a good ~3" deep.